The anti-cotton dress

Sun dresses are usually cotton, spaghetti strap and machine washable.  And while all of those qualities make them fantastic pieces to own, it doesn't say much for the dressiness of the look.  Today I want to look at summer frocks in dressier mediums like chiffon and silk.  A little more care is involved but the look is totally different.

Modcloth, Place in the sun dress, $63

Pretty rosettes and a matching tie belt really make this dress wonderful.

Target, Mossimo Grecian one shoulder dress, $35 

I love the draping on this dress. Perfect for a summer wedding.

Limited, Tiered strapless dress, $89

Hands down, this is my fave dress of the season thus far.  The pattern is bright, the diagonal cuts in the skirt are flattering, and the waist is high!

Love!

Gap, Asymmetrical ruched dress, $70

This dress is kind of rocker in it's own sweet coral way.  I love the mix of cuts and the mini length.

Nordstrom, Pure sugar ruffle front print dress, $78

Really fun little dress for a summer date.  I like the ruffle hem and the v-neck.

So maybe you can't throw these in the washing machine, but they do have a certain sense of lovely to them don't they?

Be fabulous today!

Lime!

If you were looking for a creative post title, I'm sorry, but that's what I came up with today.

Bright colors are easy to wear when the weather is warm.  Today let's look at some great pieces in lime!

Loft, tie dye stripe tee, $29

I really like the relaxed look of this scoop neck tee and the cap sleeve is adorable.  

Fossil, enamel summer stack, $45

An adorable alternative if the Kate Spade idiom bracelet isn't your taste.

Modcloth, link happy thoughts sandal, $32

I really like the mini-wedge heel on this sandal, makes it dressier.

Banana Republic, Lightweight wrap, $55

This is perfect for a long day adventure that goes into the evening.  It matches everything.

Nordstrom, Olivia Moon ruffled sleeveless top, $58

How sweet is this top? Sometimes you don't need structure and darting, just soft and silky.

How do you like lime? I think yellow and lemon are a much more common color trend, but try throwing this in the mix!

Be fabulous today

Floral Barrettes

Hi ladies!

I'm sorry it's Monday but I'm happy to see you!  I hope you had a lovely weekend and that your week is fabulous.  And if it's not, here are some fun and girly things to cheer you up!

Today I was thinking about Spring wind and upcoming Summer humidity.  What to do with your hair? It's frizzy, blowing all over, or some heinous mix in between those two.  Enter, the barrette.  It's simple, versatile and efficient.  Today I want to feature floral barrettes because they are feminine and perfect for this time of year.

   Shabby Apple, Amaretti clip, $12

I really love the mix of feathers with this barrette, just beautiful.

Forever 21, sequined rosette bobby pins, $2.50

You're running out the door to the grocery store, you don't have time to do your hair or find jewelry- throw these beauties on and instant glam.

Anthropologie, Anemone trio barrette, $18

This is perfect for a half-up-half-down hair day.  Jeans or sun dress.

Target, Bella V Vogue, $4

How unique is this barrette? I'm obsessed.

Etsy (Artbybarri), Coral satin flower, $8

Such a great mix of materials here.  And the pink is just fabulous.

What do you think? Too girly for you? I just love barrettes because they're easy, adjustable and fun.  And did I mention affordable?

Be fabulous today!

It list!!

Welcome to another inspiring installment of the IT list... take some time to be inspired by these amazing blogs - and Happy Friday! 

• rebecca with an R spells out her current wish list... what made the cut? This gorgeous clutch for one, the rest you are going to have to find out yourself by heading over there! (find rebecca with an R on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations recreates this gorgeous 70's inspired Elle Machpherson look on a budget - I am really loving this look!
• a spot of whimsy found these really neat graphic maps for popular cities in Europe.  They are so unique, I would love one for myself! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• capital barbie rounds up unique graduation gifts for a stylish grad - she has some great ideas here!  I really love this bow ring. (find capital barbie on twitter!)
• baby shopoholic got some great pieces and great deals at baby Gap recently. I can't stand how cute this denim moto jacket is!  
• lady M is sporting an adorable floral bib necklace and has the perfect outfit to go with it. I am loving this necklace for spring! (find lady M on twitter!)
• the stylish housewife celebrates her birthday in this gorgeous one shouldered maxi dress. Go over and wish her a Happy Birthday! (find the stylish housewife on twitter!)
• good clean fun brings you good old fashioned milk and cookies... chocolate toffee cookies to be exact! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is crushing on coral... what a perfect shade for summer. I am loving all her picks... especially this nail polish, but make sure you swing by to check out the others! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• the fancy red boots has an adorable outfit for a day away from the city... check out her boots that she found at an unlikely spot. I love them! (find the fancy red boots on twitter!)
• good tots rounds up 'sweet' macaron themed items from etsy - perfect for the francophile gal in your life.  This poster is just too, too cute!
• infashuation rocks this amazing horse sweater AND she dishes on where she finds one of kind pieces like these - don't miss her tips! (find infashuation on twitter!)
• along abbey road is giving away a gift card to Anthropolgie... need I say more? Pop on over to enter why don't you!?!
• thought and musing has the most perfect outfit for a picnic if there ever were one.  And I am absolutely in love with her hat!
• rose a la mode is looking perfect in plaid... also stop by to get the word on her new posting schedule. You know, the early bird gets the worm! (find rose a la mode on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less, for information on how you can be involved, click here!